Botanizing Walks & Hikes

Christmas fern, GGardner

Let’s go for a walk …

In addition to specific walks we offer 3 walks series:
• First Thursday Botanizing Walks
• Plants & Their Places
• Wild Things: Family Walks

Walks in these series are offered for no charge and open to the public, although a donation to defray the cost of our programs is appreciated. DONATE

We require registration as we limit the number of participants to maximize the ability for everyone to observe the plants and participate in the conversation about them. 

As with all our walks, sturdy footwear, clothing appropriate for the weather and for protection against sun exposure, ticks and other insects, briers, tree root etc. as well as a sufficient supply of water and nourishment are essential. Dogs are not permitted.

Wear the appropriate amount of fluorescent orange on state management and other properties where hunting is allowed during hunting season.  Click image.

Our 2024 walk season will begin in early Spring.

First Thursday Botanizing Walks

Interested in a walk to explore plants and their habitats?  Come learn  and share your knowledge about plants. Each month, from April to October, a different expert guide will lead participants on a plant adventure.  Consideration is given to issues related to the plant communities at the site, especially those of particular interest to the guide and participants.

Beginners to experts welcome. Walks are two hours, usually on easy to moderate terrain.

See the note in orange at the top of this page for how to dress and what to bring.

Registration is required.  Those who register will receive the directions to the meet up location of the walk a few days before the walk.

We walk rain or shine.  Should there be a cancellation, e.g very bad weather, we will post the cancellation on the event page of the walk.

Plants & Their Places

Interested in a longer experience identifying plants? Join Doug McGrady, devotee of exploring the wilds of New England, who leads this series of longer walks – typically four-hours. Participants will consider plant communities at a site and identify a wide the variety of plants. Particular focus is often on the rare and unusual. Some previous knowledge of plants is recommended.

Walks are usually on moderate terrain.  Forays during the walks searching for specific plants tend to be on more difficult terrain.

See the note in orange at the top of this page for how to dress and what to bring.

Registration is required.  Those who register will receive the directions to the meet up location of the walk a few days before the walk.

We walk rain or shine. Should there be a cancellation, e.g very bad weather, we will post the cancellation on the event page of the walk.

For the upcoming walks in both First Thursday Botanizing and Plants & Their Places Series along with other walks and programs.    CLICK HERE

To receive occasional updates and information about walks in the First Thursday Botanizing Walk Series and/or Plants & Their Places series join those e mail lists.  All walks and programs are routinely announced the our e- mail list RIWPS members and friends eNews plus which is sent out the first of each month.

Wild Things – Family Walks

Here in Rhode Island and all over the world, natural habitats are shrinking, species are disappearing and our environment is clearly at risk. What can we do to help reverse the damage and ensure a more sustainable future?

If you share our belief that kids are the key to change and you’d like to get your kids or grandchildren out exploring the natural environment, join us for a family walk. Our goal is to spark or enhance an informed interest in healthy habitats and ecosystems in the next generation!

With the guidance of naturalist Nathan Lamb, children and those adults with them  will explore the interdependence of native trees, plants, insects and birds. Each walk will feature observations and hands-on activities of nature’s own “best practices,” some of which we can apply to our own backyards to make them more sustainable and wildlife-friendly.

Inspired by the work of Douglas Tallamy in his books Nature’s Best Hope and The Nature of Oaks, this program will focus on the functions of keystone species like the oak, both in the wild and in our cultivated landscapes.

Along with other native species, the oaks will provide much to explore, from the shape of their leaves and the insects they host, to their interactions with fungi and root systems.

To provide a personalized learning experience spaces on these walks are limited.  Each walk will be arranged for to 2 to 3 families per walk. The material covered will be aimed at children roughly 8 to 12 years old. 

When the walk is posted, if you are interested in participating please contact Nathan – nathan@gardenecology.us.  Include your contact information and the number of adults and children involved. Nathan will let you know about space availability. 


Note:  Rhode Island Families in Natures offers a host of resource including descriptions of many of the wonderful places to explore in Rhode Island.